December 8, 2025 • View in browser

NLBMDA Weekly is our newsletter covering everything from the latest activity in Washington to updates from our members. This is the premier source of federal legislative, regulatory, and industry news for NLBMDA members.

NLBMDA is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference, March 17–18 in Washington, D.C. This premier two-day event offers members a unique opportunity to shape the future of the lumber and building materials industry.

Attendees will:

Advocate directly with elected officials on Capitol Hill.
Gain insights from top Washington policy experts on issues affecting our industry.
Participate in engaging keynote presentations, policy discussions, and networking with peers nationwide.

The conference concludes with in-person meetings with members of Congress and staff, ensuring your voice is heard on critical industry matters. Beyond the sessions, enjoy opportunities to connect with colleagues, learn about key policy issues, and experience all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Register by January 9 to take advantage of the Holiday Special discounted rate, don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact!

NLBMDA Launches Dealers to D.C., Advocacy Grant Program to Boost Participation at Annual Legislative Fly-In

Earlier this month, NLBMDA announced Dealers to D.C., a new grant program designed to increase dealer participation at the association’s annual Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference. The program, approved by NLBMDA’s Board of Directors, provides financial assistance to help bring lumber and building material (LBM) dealers to Washington, D.C., particularly those who have not recently attended or operate in states that are typically underrepresented. For 2026, ten $750 advocacy grants will be available to cover eligible expenses such as conference registration, hotel accommodations, and travel. By expanding dealer involvement, the program ensures a wider range of perspectives are represented on Capitol Hill, strengthening NLBMDA’s advocacy on federal policies that impact the industry.

First-time and returning attendees will receive comprehensive advocacy training, including briefings on key legislative issues and guidance on conducting effective meetings with lawmakers and staff. NLBMDA staff will provide support before and during the conference, helping participants confidently navigate the schedule and maximize their impact. Applications open today, with a priority deadline of December 19 and final submissions due January 5. Award recipients will be announced in January ahead of the March 17–18, 2026 conference.

To apply or learn more about the program, click here.

NLBMDA Staff Meets with Rep. Messmer Office on OSHA Heat Rule Legislation

Last week, NLBMDA’s Government Affairs Coordinator Matthew Delaney met with legislative staff from Rep. Mark Messmer’s (R-IN) office, the lead sponsor of H.R. 6213, the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025, in Washington, D.C. The bill would direct OSHA to rescind the pending Biden-era heat rule, which proposes a one-size-fits-all national framework for heat exposure across all industries. NLBMDA has long expressed concerns that the rule would place disproportionate compliance burdens on small businesses and LBM dealers, many of whom already maintain effective, tailored heat-safety programs.

Earlier this year, NLBMDA submitted formal comments to OSHA highlighting key issues, including inflexible national temperature thresholds, extensive recordkeeping requirements, and duplication of existing safety standards. H.R. 6213 currently has 26 cosponsors, and efforts are underway to introduce a companion bill in the Senate. NLBMDA looks forward to strengthening its partnership with Rep. Messmer’s office and will continue engaging with lawmakers and their staff to build support for this important legislation.

Federal Reserve Prepares Year-End Rate Decision

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors is scheduled to meet this week for its final meeting of the year, and markets expect another 25-basis point rate cut that would lower the federal funds rate from the current 3.75 to 4 percent range. This move would continue the series of reductions made in the latter half of 2025 as the Fed responds to cooling labor market conditions and uneven progress on inflation.

While the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates, its decisions influence them by shaping broader borrowing costs and financial market expectations. Another rate cut could add modest downward pressure on mortgage rates, offering limited affordability improvements for prospective homebuyers. Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting remarks will provide further insight into the central bank’s assessment of the economy.

FHFA Announces Higher 2026 Conforming Loan Limits

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the baseline conforming loan limit (CLL) for 2026 will increase to $832,750, up $26,250 from 2025. A CLL is the maximum mortgage size that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are permitted to purchase. According to FHFA, this change reflects the “3.26 percent increase in the average U.S. home value between the third quarters of 2024 and 2025.”

Loan limits will also rise in higher-cost markets. The new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties will be $1,249,125, which is 150% of the baseline. FHFA noted that due to rising home values, CLLs will increase in all but 32 U.S. counties or county equivalents next year. Special statutory provisions set different limits for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the baseline and ceiling will be $1,249,125 and $1,873,675, respectively.

NAR Publishes Monthly Housing Market Trends for November

The U.S. housing market continued to adjust in November, with inventory rising and buyer activity remaining measured, according to National Association of Realtors latest housing trends report. Inventory increased for the 25th consecutive month, rising 12.6 percent year-over-year, though growth is slowing. Homes are spending slightly longer on the market, with the national median days on market at 64, three days more than last year, while prices edged down 0.4 percent to a median of $415,000. The South and West led inventory gains, while many Northeast and Midwest metros continue to see faster sales due to tighter supply.

Two trends are shaping the market. Delistings remain elevated, with about 6 percent of listings removed each month since June, showing sellers stepping back amid affordability pressures. At the same time, buyers are increasingly turning to refuge markets, smaller and more affordable metros where prices remain within reach. Cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis posted some of the strongest price-per-square-foot gains in 2025, highlighting how affordability concerns are reshaping housing demand. For 2026, forecasters are predicting a slow but steady improvement with more inventory expected and a slight easing of affordability issues.

Personalized Entry-Level Driver Training Certification for NLBMDA Members

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has partnered with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. to offer members of the association an exclusive discount on certifying trainers in entry-level driver training (ELDT).

With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Certification Program, trainers will gain the skills and knowledge they need to train drivers to prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability, and begin a safe career at your company. After completing this program, driver trainers will be prepared to effectively deliver J.J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT curriculum online, in the classroom, on the range and on the road. It’s the industry’s most hand-on, customizable trainer certification program, providing the flexibility to train your trainers when and how it works best for you. Not only is it ideal for new drivers, it’s also ideal for existing trainers who want to build their skills for the life of your drivers — and be able to continue coaching them the entire way.

Request More Information

NLBMDA Legislative Tracker

NLBMDA Weekly now offers a new legislative tracker highlighting the status of priority bills we are actively supporting on Capitol Hill. The tracker will be updated regularly to reflect the progress of key legislation impacting the lumber and building material industry.

NLBMDA Takes to Capitol Hill this Week to Push Swipe-Fee Reform in Senate

This Thursday, NLBMDA will meet with Senators representing states from coast to coast as part of a year-end advocacy initiative to advance the Credit Card Competition Act. NLBMDA will urge lawmakers to prioritize consideration of this legislation, which is designed to address the escalating costs of credit card swipe fees, an increasingly significant expense for LBM dealers nationwide. These meetings will highlight the real-world impact of swipe fees on small businesses and local economies, emphasizing the need for competitive reforms that could ease financial burdens on dealers and the entire Main Street community.

Earlier this year, CCCA came close to being included in a larger piece of Senate Banking legislation when Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) sought to attach it as an amendment to the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin bill that reached the Senate floor in June. While the amendment was ultimately not considered before the bill’s passage, NLBMDA met with Senate offices at the time to advocate for swipe-fee reform. This Thursday’s meetings build on that work, helping NLBMDA lay the groundwork and strengthen support for CCCA when the next legislative vehicle becomes available.

Rep. Dan Newhouse Introduces SAWMILL Act in U.S. House

On November 24th, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the “Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act” in the House, a companion to S. 2221, a Senate version introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in July. The legislation permanently establishes the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program, enabling sawmills and wood-processing facilities in rural areas to access federal loan guarantees to establish, reopen, retrofit, expand, or improve operations. The bill authorizes up to $220 million in loan guarantees, supporting both the timber industry and rural economies.

The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Natural Resources Committee where it will be placed for consideration before a vote on the House floor is held. NLBMDA will continue to monitor the status of the legislation as it progresses through both the House and Senate.

House Lawmakers Release Compromised Annual Defense Package Text Over Weekend, Votes Expected This Week

Last night, House lawmakers released their version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Defense and a must-pass measure before Congress adjourns for the year. Notably, the House version does not include provisions from the ROAD to Housing Act, a comprehensive NLBMDA supported housing package designed to address the nation’s housing supply shortage and affordability challenges. ROAD to Housing was included as part of the Senate's NDAA which it released earlier this fall. Last week, NLBMDA shared news of a push being made by U.S. Senators, NLBMDA and our coalition partners, and the White House to include the NDAA in the final bill.

In a statement, Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, emphasized that housing reform will remain a priority in the new year. While the House NDAA does not incorporate ROAD to Housing provisions at this time, Rep. Hill noted, “Next year, we look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to send a bill to the president’s desk that reflects the views of both chambers and leads to more affordable choices for America’s homeowners and renters.” Negotiations for the $900 billion defense bill are expected this week, with the House planning to vote on a final package before transmitting it to the Senate for a final vote. Congress has a long-standing tradition of passing the NDAA on time with a bill passing every year for the last 64 years.

NLBMDA remains committed to working with our coalition partners to advance housing proposals that tackle the growing supply shortage and affordability challenges threatening future generations’ opportunities for homeownership. As negotiations continue into next year, NLBMDA will be on Capitol Hill ensuring the industry’s priorities are represented throughout the process.

House Committee Advances Bills Targeting Regulatory Burdens on Small Businesses

Last week, the House Committee on Small Business advanced two bills that NLBMDA has been monitoring closely, aimed at easing federal regulatory pressures that stretch resources and limit long-term competitiveness. H.R. 2965, the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025, requires the SBA to report annually on the cost of federal regulations for small businesses. H.R. 4305, the DUMP Red Tape Act of 2025, would permanently codify the SBA Office of Advocacy’s “Red Tape Hotline,” giving small businesses a direct channel to flag overly burdensome or unclear rules.

Sponsors say the bills aim to cut red tape, boost transparency, and let small businesses focus on growth and workforce development. In its meeting on the Hill, NLBMDA continues to emphasize that small businesses and LBM dealers face high compliance costs and would benefit from clearer, more predictable federal regulations. Both measures are now advanced to the House floor for consideration.

Franklin Building Supply Expands in Eastern Idaho with Snake River Truss Acquisition

Franklin Building Supply, based in Idaho, has acquired Snake River Truss and Components in Idaho Falls, bringing all Snake River employees into Franklin’s employee-ownership model. The acquisition strengthens Franklin’s presence in Eastern Idaho and complements the company’s new lumber and building materials location opened in November 2025. Franklin plans to maintain Snake River’s operations while investing in facility upgrades and expanding manufacturing capabilities. A larger Idaho Falls location is planned for the second quarter of 2027 to integrate lumber, building materials, and truss operations. Leadership from both companies call the partnership a strategic step for growth, service, and operational excellence.

Boise Cascade Names Incoming CEO

Boise Cascade Company announced that Chief Executive Officer Nate Jorgensen will retire on March 2, 2026. Chief Operating Officer Jeff Strom will succeed him on March 3, with Jorgensen remaining on the board. The transition is part of the company’s long-term succession plan, reflecting Jorgensen’s six years of leadership guiding the company through growth and challenges.

Strom, with 34 years in the industry and nearly two decades at Boise Cascade, has held key leadership roles in building materials distribution. He says he is honored to lead the company and looks forward to continuing its focus on operational excellence, customer service, and growth.

Bliffert Lumber Voted Milwaukee's Best Hardware Store for 2025

NLBMDA congratulates Bliffert Lumber for being named Milwaukee's Hardware Store of the Year in the 2025 Shepherd Express Bought & Sold awards. This honor recognizes their outstanding service, quality products, and commitment to the community.